Perennial Ryegrass, Italian ryegrass, Darnel, Lyme Grass, Terrell Grass, English Ryegrass, Strand Wh

Lolium perenne

Physical Characteristics

Lolium perenne is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid, very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

Europe to E. Asia.

Habitats

Meadow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - cooked. Used as a cereal[177]. The seed has a nutritional value similar to oats (Avena sativa) and contain gluten[269]. An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails[177]. The seed is rather small and fiddly to use[K]. Yields of 1 tonne per hectare have been achieved, though around 500kg is a more common yield[269].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Cancer Malaria The plant has occasionally been used in the treatment of cancer, diarrhoea, haemorrhages and malaria[269].

Known Hazards

None known